French shipping company LD Armateurs has launched Wind of Ocean, the first of two next-generation service operation vessels (SOVs) being built for Swedish energy company Vattenfall, at the ZPMC shipyard in China on 30 August.

The launch moves the vessel into its next construction phase, which will include outfitting, systems integration and sea trials ahead of a scheduled delivery in 2027. A keel-laying ceremony took place earlier in 2026.

Once delivered, Wind of Ocean is intended to operate on the DanTysk and Sandbank offshore wind farms in the North Sea, providing accommodation for technicians as well as personnel and equipment transfers to offshore wind turbines.

The vessel measures 90 metres in overall length with a beam of 19.60 metres and will accommodate up to 96 people on board, including crew and offshore technicians.

New design features

Developed in partnership with Norwegian naval architecture firm SALT Ship Design, Wind of Ocean incorporates a hybrid-electric propulsion system combining diesel generators with a battery energy storage system. According to LD Armateurs, compared with its previous SOV generation, this architecture improves energy efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and lowers both emissions and onboard noise levels.

The vessel also features a double-ended design — described as a first for LD Armateurs on this type of vessel. The design uses a symmetrical hull form and four identical azimuth thrusters, which the company says deliver enhanced dynamic positioning (DP) performance, greater manoeuvrability and simplified maintenance, while reducing noise and vibration in the accommodation areas.

Wind of Ocean is equipped with a motion-compensated gangway for the transfer of technicians and equipment to offshore wind turbines in challenging sea conditions.

Next steps

Following the launch, Wind of Ocean will undergo further construction work, including the installation of propulsion equipment, electrical systems, accommodation areas and onboard technologies, before entering sea trials.